Available online
Description
This programme is about some of the science and technology involved in the development of the steam locomotive. Mr John Van Reimsdijk and Mr George Carpenter discuss the progress of steam engine de...sign and the scientific advances which influenced the development of the steam locomotive. The programme begins with Mallard, the fastest steam locomotive in the world, which is now preserved in the British Transport Museum. In an advanced steam locomotive like Mallard there are a number of features which can be traced back to their introduction at various times in the 19th century. Particular examples are superheating, internal streamlining of the steam passages and the ejection of steam through the chimney of the locomotive. The impact of Stephenson, Adams, Crampton and others is discussed and in particular the contributions of two continental designers Du Bousquet and Andre Chapelon. An engine designed by Du Bousquet and now preserved in England is shown. This engine and later ones combine design features which represent an end product of 150 years of science and technology.
This programme is about some of the science and technology involved in the development of the steam locomotive. Mr John Van Reimsdijk and Mr George Carpenter discuss the progress of steam engine de...sign and the scientific advances which influenced the development of the steam locomotive. The programme begins with Mallard, the fastest steam locomotive in the world, which is now preserved in the British Transport Museum. In an advanced steam locomotive like Mallard there are a number of features which can be traced back to their introduction at various times in the 19th century. Particular examples are superheating, internal streamlining of the steam passages and the ejection of steam through the chimney of the locomotive. The impact of Stephenson, Adams, Crampton and others is discussed and in particular the contributions of two continental designers Du Bousquet and Andre Chapelon. An engine designed by Du Bousquet and now preserved in England is shown. This engine and later ones combine design features which represent an end product of 150 years of science and technology.
| Module code and title: | AST281, Science and the rise of technology since 1800 |
|---|---|
| Item code: | AST281; 11 |
| First transmission date: | 03-10-1973 |
| Published: | 1973 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:25 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Jim Stevenson |
| Contributors: | George W. Carpenter; John van Reimsdijk |
| Keyword(s): | Mallard; Rocket; Rolling stock; Silver Fox |
| Footage description: | The presenter sitting inside the smoke box of 'Mallard' describes the draughting system of the locomotive. Numerous illustrative shots. Shots of the locomotive 'Silver Fox' at full bore; followed by shots of 'Mallard' hauling passenger train. Models of 'Rocket' and 'Mallard' side by side. George Carpenter describes briefly the revolutionary aspects of the 'Rocket'. He compares the power/weight ratios of the earliest with the later steam locomotives and shows how the power/weight ratios increased steadily until development of the steam engine ceased. Van Reimsdijk shows the blast pipe apparatus of the 'Rocket' and describes its operation. The fire box of 'Rocket' and 'Mallard' are compared. Pursuing his theme of the development of the draughting system, Van Reimsdijk describes the Adams system, the Killtrap system and the Giesel ejector. Carpenter goes on to describe the development of superheating which along with improved draughting was one of the main developments of the steam engine from the 'Rocket' to the modern locomotive. The system is illustrated. Shot of locomotive valve gear driving wheels. Carpenter using cutaway drawings describes the improvements made in steam circuits. Shots of fire box and stoker; footplate activity, driver starting locomotive. Van Reimskijk, voice over, describes how continental engineers took: the lead in steam engineering in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Shots of French locomotive in motion. Van Reimsdijk, alongside the French locomotive describes it and points out its distinguishing features, and those innovations which led to its good power/weight ratio. Van Reimsdijk explains, with illustrative shots what is meant by compound locomotive, and describes its advantages over the simpler two cylinder steam engine. Carpenter describes the rebuilding of a French locomotive, at first delivering only 200 hp but after rebuilding delivering 3400 hp. He describes in detail how the great increase in power with less fuel consumption was obtained. Numerous illustrations. Van Reimsdijk gives one or two reasons for the decline of the steam locomotive in Western European countries. Shots of locomotives. Shots of French locomotive at full bore. Van Reimsdijk sums up. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/71200 |
| Production number: | 00525_3037 |
| Videofinder number: | 621 |
| Available to public: | no |
